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Kyle T Helzer, Ph.D.
Experienced scientist interested in the analysis of large data sets to solve biological problems. My doctoral research involved investigating the genome-wide binding profile of phosphorylated estrogen receptor-a in a human breast cancer cell line. Strong background and understanding of both wet lab (molecular biology, CRISPR, cell culture, PCR) and dry lab (Linux, Python, R) skill sets.
Research Experience
Postdoctoral Researcher
Proteovista LLC
Madison, WI
current - 2019
- Lead and performed research and development on novel array-based technology
- Developed algorithms for DNA and protein array generation
Graduate Student
Alarid Laboratory
University of Wisconsin - Madison
2019 - 2013
- Analyzed the genome-wide binding profile of the phosphorylated estrogen receptor-alpha in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line via ChIP-seq
- Built custom python algorithm for analysis of bedgraph files
- Utilized R and ggplot2 for data analysis and figure design
Research Assistant
Olsen Laboratory
University of Michigan
2013 - 2010
- Worked in the laboratory of Dr. Laura Olsen on peroxisomal protein import and processing in Arabidopsis thaliana. As an undergraduate, I planned and performed my own experiments and projects as well as analyzed the data.
- Trained and mentored new undergraduate researchers.
Education
Ph.D., Cancer Biology
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI
2019 - 2013
- Thesis: Effects of Phosphorylation on the DNA Binding Properties of Estrogen Receptor-alpha
- Advisor: Elaine T. Alarid, Ph.D.
B.S. (with honors), Cellular and Molecular Biology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
2012 - 2008
- Honors Thesis: Processing of Citrate Synthase by the Peroxisomal Protease DEG15 in Arabidopsis thaliana
- Advisor: Laura J. Olsen, Ph.D.
- Minor in music
Publications
The phosphorylated estrogen receptor a cistrome identifies a subset of active enhancers enriched for direct ER-DNA binding and the transcription factor GRHL2
Molecular and Cellular Biology
N/A
2019
- Helzer KT, Szatkowski Ozers M, Meyer MB, Benkusky NA, Solodin N, Reese RM, Warren CL, Pike JW, and Alarid, ET (2019). The Phosphorylated Estrogen Receptor a (ER) Cistrome Identifies a Subset of Active Enhancers Enriched for Direct ER-DNA Binding and the Transcription Factor GRHL2. Mol. Cell. Biol. 39.
17ß-Estradiol and ICI182,780 Differentially Regulate STAT5 Isoforms in Female Mammary Epithelium, With Distinct Outcomes
Journal of the Endocrine Society
N/A
2018
- Jallow F, Brockman JL, Helzer KT, Rugowski DE, Goffin V, Alarid ET, and Schuler LA (2018). 17ß-Estradiol and ICI182,780 Differentially Regulate STAT5 Isoforms in Female Mammary Epithelium, With Distinct Outcomes. J Endocr Soc 2, 293–309.
Ubiquitylation of nuclear receptors: new linkages and therapeutic implications
Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
N/A
2015
- Helzer KT, Hooper C, Miyamoto S, and Alarid ET (2015). Ubiquitylation of nuclear receptors: new linkages and therapeutic implications. J. Mol. Endocrinol. 54, R151-167.
Teaching Experience
I am passionate about education. I believe that no topic is too complex if the teacher is empathetic and willing to think about new methods of approaching task.
Oncology 675 - Readings in Cancer Biology
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI
2015
- Served as a TA for graduate level course on how to critically evaluate scientific literature
- Course Instructor: Dr. Bill Sugden
Honors and Awards
Cancer Biology Training Grant
NIH T32 award for training in cancer biology
UW-Madison
2017 - 2015
University Honors
For earning above a 3.5 GPA
University of Michigan
2012 - 2008
James B. Angell Scholar
For earning all As in a semester
University of Michigan
2011 - 2010
Regents Scholarship
For outstanding academic achievement
University of Michigan
2008
Presentations
Genome-Wide Binding Profile of Phosphorylated Estrogen Receptor Reveals Association with Direct DNA Binding
ENDO 2019
New Orleans, LA
2019
Investigating the Effects of Phosphorylation on the DNA Binding Properties of ERa
McArdle Student Seminar Series
UW-Madison
2018
Investigating the Effects of Phosphorylation on the DNA Binding Properties of ERa
McArdle Student Seminar Series
UW-Madison
2018
Investigating the Effects of Phosphorylation on the DNA Binding Properties of ERa
McArdle Student Seminar Series
UW-Madison
2017
Investigating the Effects of Phosphorylation on the DNA Binding Properties of ERa
O’Brien Symposium
Madison, WI
2017
Investigating the Role of Phosphorylation on the DNA Binding Properties of ERa
McArdle Student Seminar Series
UW-Madison
2016
Insights into Estrogen Receptor-alpha Phosphorylation
McArdle Student Seminar Series
UW-Madison
2015
Posters
Defining the Phosphorylated ERa Cistrome
Gordon Research Conference on Hormone Dependent Cancers
Newry, ME
2017
Analysis of the Phosphorylated ERa Cistrome with Multiple pS118-ER Specific Antibodies
7th Great Lakes Nuclear Receptor Conference
Cleveland, OH
2016
The Elephant in the Room
McArdle 75th Anniversary Open House
UW-Madison
2014
Processing of the Peroxisomal Protease DEG15 in Arabidopsis thaliana
MCDB Honors Research Symposium
University of Michigan
2012
Conferences Attended
ENDO 2019
Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, LA
2019
8th Great Lakes Nuclear Receptor Conference
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
2018
Gordon Research Conference on Hormone Dependent Cancers
Sunday River Resort
Newry, ME
2017
O’Brien Symposium
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI
2017
7th Great Lakes Nuclear Receptor Conference
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH
2016
McArdle 75th Anniversary Symposium on Cancer
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI
2015
6th Great Lakes Nuclear Receptor Conference
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI
2014